When Princess Nouf Al-Saud started her role as general manager of marketing at 黑料社区鈥檚 Ministry of Sport in 2018, she confronted a world unfamiliar with the Kingdom鈥檚 pulse.
鈥淲hen I first began this journey,鈥 she said, 鈥淚 realized that many people around the world had never truly experienced our culture, our energy or our vision.鈥
Six years and more than 135 global events later 鈥 from the electrifying debut of Formula 1 to the pioneering E1 Electric Boat Race 鈥 Al-Saud now orchestrates a marketing portfolio that has drawn more than 3 million attendees and broadcast 黑料社区鈥檚 evolution to more than 160 countries.
Her greatest triumph? Rewriting the narrative. Al-Saud told Arab News: 鈥淲e鈥檝e evolved from being seen simply as a destination that hosts events, to being recognized as a forward鈥憈hinking leader in sports.鈥
Where skepticism once lingered, Al-Saud now projects certainty: 鈥淭oday, the most important message is that 黑料社区 is not only open to the world, but actively shaping the global sports narrative.鈥
This conviction permeates every campaign 鈥 whether amplifying community participation at Extreme E or embedding cultural storytelling into the WTA Finals.
The most profound transformations, however, unfold in Saudi stands. 鈥淎 decade ago, it was rare to see parents, daughters and sons attending events side by side,鈥 Al-Saud said.
Now, stadiums brim with multi-generational energy. Al-Saud said: 鈥淕irls are proudly wearing team jerseys, parents are cheering with their children and young fans are recognizing themselves in the athletes they watch.鈥
She calls this phenomenon 鈥渁 ripple effect where sport becomes a shared cultural language鈥 鈥 a testament to Vision 2030鈥檚 societal impact.
Challenging global perceptions remains intrinsic to her work. 鈥淲e viewed every global event as a fresh opportunity to open a new window,鈥 she said, countering stereotypes with experiential proof 鈥 be it through world-class venues or volunteers鈥 warmth.
Her creative arsenal relies on authentic storytelling: 鈥淲e flip the script by designing campaigns that don鈥檛 just market a match or a race, they tell stories.鈥
These narratives, showcasing international fans鈥 pilgrimages or homegrown talent, serve a higher purpose: 鈥淥ur role goes far beyond ticket sales; it is about inspiring the next generation of athletes.鈥
As chair of the Women鈥檚 Sports Committee, Al-Saud wields platforms like the WTA Finals as catalysts. 鈥淚t鈥檚 never been enough to simply host a women鈥檚 tournament,鈥 she added.
Her strategy is inclusion at every level: 鈥淲e use these platforms to show that Saudi women are athletes, leaders, strategists and innovators.鈥
From mentorship programs to leadership panels, the objective is unequivocal: 鈥淩edefining roles not just on the court, but in boardrooms, production teams and strategy tables.鈥
Amid the scale of progress, human moments anchor her. She vividly recounts the Italian Super Cup: 鈥淲atching them, dressed in their club colors, walking through our fan zones with their children, laughing, taking photos, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride.鈥
In that instant, the mission crystallized: 鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 just about the game. It was about 黑料社区 becoming a magnet for people who love sport, wherever they come from.鈥 For Al-Saud, those smiles are more than rewards 鈥 they are proof that sport can build bridges no statistic can measure.
